Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Finland will try a universal income strategy

"When fully implemented, the universal basic income would provide every
Finnish citizen with a monthly taxfree payment of 800 euros, equivalent
to about USD 881. This would replace currently existing social benefits
received through the Finnish welfare system. Any income earned beyond
the basic income will be taxable. Kela’s basic income proposal includes a
trial period in which the payment delivered to citizens is only 550
euros, while existing benefits such as housing and income support would
not be affected."

This isn't so crazy as you might think. Consider how many people in the US get government help right now. This is just a sort of consolidation and equalizing of what is already being done now to a large extent. Simpler, easier, more equitable.